Low migration ink composition

ABSTRACT

A low migration energy curable ink composition may include, based upon total composition weight: a) from about 10% to about 80% of a solvent system comprising the following: i) from about 35% to about 80% of one or more mono-functional acrylate monomers, ii) from about 10% to about 35% of one or more di-functional acrylate monomers, and iii) from about 10% to about 30% of one or more tri-functional or greater acrylate monomers; b) from about 3% to about 30% of an acrylate oligomer, and c) from about 1% to about 15% of a colorant. The low migration energy curable ink may be incorporated into an absorbent article.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to energy curable inks, especially energy curableinks having low migration and low migration component materials, andabsorbent articles comprising said inks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The printing of substrates, such as woven and nonwoven fabrics andfilms, is well known. Many current products, such as diapers andtraining pants, include printed designs to improve their appearance.Energy curable inks provide many desirable properties including enhancedvisual appeal and the ability to digitally print such articles. However,without sufficient adhesion and curing, the printed design can besmeared or even be removed during manufacturing and packaging,especially when printing and manufacturing at high speeds. Further,rub-off, smearing or other form of ink release may occur during producthandling and use. As such, the lack of curing and/or adhesion underminesthe desired print quality and could even cause skin irritation for theend user. Indeed, manufacturers have struggled to balance high printquality with reduced smudging and reduced skin irritation. Thus, thereremains a need to formulate ink compositions that will cure efficientlyand to high degree. There is also a need for ink compositions that avoidskin irritation. In addition, there is a need for a printed substratehaving improved print quality, improved ink adhesion, reduced inkrub-off, improved vibrancy, low ink migration and/or low ink componentmigration, while still delivering a high level of ink curing, especiallywhere said printed substrate may be used in an absorbent article.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a low migration energy curable inkcomposition having, based on total composition weight, from about 10% toabout 80% of a solvent system comprising acrylate monomers, from about3% to about 30% of an acrylate oligomer, and from about 1% to about 15%of a pigment. The solvent system may include from about 35% to about 80%of one or more mono-functional acrylate monomers, from about 10% toabout 35% of one or more di-functional acrylate monomers; and from about10% to about 30% of one or more tri-functional or greater acrylatemonomers. The solvent system may consist essentially of low migratorycomponents. The low migration energy curable ink may be applied to asubstrate which is incorporated into an absorbent article.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of an exemplary embodiment of anabsorbent article as detailed herein. The absorbent article is shown ina flat, uncontracted state.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the absorbent article taken aboutthe lateral centerline in FIG. 1 in accordance with a non-limitingembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a schematic plan view of another exemplary embodiment ofabsorbent article. The absorbent article is shown in a flat,uncontracted state.

FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of another exemplary embodimentof absorbent article.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Definitions

“Disposable,” in reference to absorbent articles, means that theabsorbent articles are generally not intended to be laundered orotherwise restored or reused as absorbent articles (i.e., they areintended to be discarded after a single use and, preferably, to berecycled, composted or otherwise discarded in an environmentallycompatible manner).

“Absorbent article” refers to devices which absorb and contain bodyexudates and, more specifically, refers to devices which are placedagainst or in proximity to the body of the wearer to absorb and containthe various exudates discharged from the body. Exemplary absorbentarticles include diapers, training pants, pull-on pant-type diapers(i.e., a diaper having a pre-formed waist opening and leg openings suchas illustrated in U.S. Pat. No. 6,120,487), refastenable diapers orpant-type diapers, incontinence briefs and undergarments, diaper holdersand liners, feminine hygiene garments such as panty liners, absorbentinserts, and the like.

“Body-facing” and “garment-facing” refer respectively to the relativelocation of an element or a surface of an element or group of elements.“Body-facing” implies the element or surface is nearer to the wearerduring wear than some other element or surface. “Garment-facing” impliesthe element or surface is more remote from the wearer during wear thansome other element or surface (i.e., element or surface is proximate tothe wearer's garments that may be worn over the disposable absorbentarticle).

“Colorant” includes one or more of pigments and or dyes; colorant mayfurther include an acrylic colloidal dispersion, acrylic solution, orsurfactants and water.

“Color Density” and “Optical Density,” otherwise referred to as “inkdensity”, is a function of the percentage of light reflected from aprinted patch of printed ink. Ink Density is a unitless valuecorrelating to the vibrancy of the ink printed onto a substrate. A lowpercentage of light reflected results in a high density. Data derivedherein is based on an X-rite eXact Spectrophotometer for measurements.

“Design element” as used herein means a shape or combination of shapesthat visually create a distinct and discrete component, regardless ofthe size or orientation of the component. A design element may bepresent in one or more patterns. A design element may be present one ormore times within one pattern. In a nonlimiting example, the same designelement is present twice in one pattern—the second instance of thedesign element is smaller than the first instance. One of skill in theart will recognize that alternative arrangements are also possible.Design elements may comprise insignia. Design elements and/orcombinations of design elements may comprise letters, words and/orgraphics such as flowers, butterflies, hearts, character representationsand the like. Design elements and/or combinations of design elements maycomprise instructional indicia providing guidance or instruction to thecaregiver relative to placement and/or fit of the article about thewearer.

“Film” means a sheet-like material wherein the length and width of thematerial far exceed the thickness of the material (e.g., 10×, 50×, oreven 1000× or more). Films are typically liquid impermeable but may beconfigured to be breathable

“Functional indicia” as used herein means an indication or a signalperceptible to the user that corresponds to afunctionally-distinguishable portion of a component, such as anabsorbent article or subcomponents of an absorbent article.

“Insignia” as used herein means objects, character representations,words, colors, shapes or other indicia that can be used to distinguish,identify or represent the manufacturer, retailer, distributor or brandof a product, including but not limited to trademarks, logos, emblems,symbols, designs, figures, fonts, lettering, crests or similaridentifying marks.

“Low migratory” in reference to a component (i.e., a component of asolvent system, of a composition, etc.) means a material listed on Annex6 of the Swiss Ordinance on Materials and Articles in Contact with Food(RS 817.023.21), 4^(th) edition, issued by the Swiss Federal Departmentof Health Affairs on Jan. 1, 2012, provided at the material's respectiveSML (specified migration limit) set by RS817.023.21.

“Nonwoven” means a porous, fibrous material made from continuous (long)filaments (fibers) and/or discontinuous (short) filaments (fibers) byprocesses such as, for example, spunbonding, meltblowing, airlaying,carding, coforming, hydroentangling, and the like. Nonwovens do not havea woven or knitted filament pattern. Nonwovens may be liquid permeableor impermeable.

“Pant” refers to disposable absorbent articles having a pre-formed waistand leg openings. A pant may be donned by inserting a wearer's legs intothe leg openings and sliding the pant into position about the wearer'slower torso. Pants are also commonly referred to as “closed diapers”,“prefastened diapers”, “pull-on diapers”, “training pants” and“diaper-pants.”

“Pattern” as used herein means a decorative or distinctive design, notnecessarily repeating or imitative, including but not limited to thefollowing: clustered, geometric, spotted, helical, swirl, arrayed,textured, spiral, cycle, contoured, laced, tessellated, starburst,lobed, blocks, pleated, concave, convex, braided, tapered, andcombinations thereof.

“Substrate” includes any material that the inks of the present inventioncan be printed on. Thus, substrates of the present invention include,but are not limited to, nonwovens, films, fibrous polyolefin webs,polyolefin webs, cellulosic webs, elastomeric webs, laminates of one ormore of the above or any combination of one or more of the above.

“Web” means a material capable of being wound into a roll. Webs may befilms, nonwovens, laminates, apertured films and/or laminates, and thelike. The face of a web refers to one of its two dimensional surfaces,as opposed to its edge.

Ink Composition

In some embodiments, a curable ink composition 10 may comprise anacrylate-based solvent system. The solvent system may be from about 10%to about 80% of the ink composition (based on the weight of the totalcomposition), reciting for said range every 5% increment therein. Thesolvent system may comprises acrylate monomers, includingmono-functional acrylate monomers and multifunctional acrylate monomers(i.e., di-functional acrylates, tri-functional acrylates,tetra-functional acrylates, etc.). The solvent system may comprise fromabout 35% to about 80% of one or more mono-functional acrylates byweight of the solvent system, reciting for said range every 5% incrementtherein. Additionally or alternatively, the solvent system may comprisefrom about 10% to about 35% of one or more di-functional acrylate and/orfrom about 10% to about 30% of one or more tri-functional or greateracrylates by weight of the solvent system reciting for each range every5% increment therein. The acrylate-based solvent system is curable byexposure to energy, undergoing crosslinking reactions. In this way, thesolvent system does not evaporate and the ink does not dry as withtraditional solvent based inks.

Suitable mono-functional acrylate monomers for the solvent systeminclude octyl acrylate, decyl acrylate, isodecyl acrylate, isodecylmethacrylate, tridecyl acrylate, dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate,2-phenoxyethyl acrylate, isobornyl acrylate, 2(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethylacrylate, nonylphenol acrylate, ethoxylated nonylphenol acrylate,stearyl acrylate, tetrahydrofurfuryl acrylate, aliphatic acrylate,caprolactone acrylate, lauryl acrylate, cyclic trimethylolpropane formalacrylate, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the one or moremono-functional acrylates comprise low migratory mono-functionalacrylates.

Suitable di-functional acrylate monomers for the solvent system includetricyclodecane dimethanol diacrylate, tripropylene glycol diacrylate,tripropylene glycol dimethacrylate, dipropylene glycol diacrylate,dipropylene glycol dimethacrylate, cyclohexanedimethanol diacrylate,1,6-hexanediol diacrylate, 1,6-hexanediol dimethacrylate, ethoxylatedhexanediol diacrylate, propoxylated hexanediol diacrylate, 1,3-butanediol diacrylate, 1,4-butanediol diacrylate, neopentyl glycoldiacrylate, propoxylated neopentyl glycol diacrylate, diethylene glycoldiacrylate, diethylene glycol dimethacrylate, triethylene glycoldiacrylate, triethylene glycol dimethacrylate, tetraethylene glycoldiacrylate, tetraethylene glycol dimethacrylate, polyethyleneglycol-200-diacrylate, 3-ethoxylated bisphenol-A diacrylate, andcombinations thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more di-functionalacrylates comprise low migratory di-functional acrylates.

Suitable tri-functional or greater acrylate monomers include trimethylolpropane triacrylate, trimethylol propane trimethacrylate, ethoxylatedtrimethylol propane triacrylate, 6-ethoxylated trimethylol propanetriacrylate, 9-ethoxylated trimethylol propane triacrylate,15-ethoxylated trimethylol propane triacrylate, 20-ethoxylatedtrimethylol propane triacrylate, propoxylated trimethylol triacrylate,propoxylated glyceryl triacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate,pentaerythritol tetraacrylate, di-trimethylol propane tetraacrylate,di-pentaerythritol pentaacrylate, di-pentaerythritol hexaacrylate, andcombinations thereof In some embodiments, the one or more tri-functionalor greater acrylates comprise low migratory acrylates that aretri-functional or greater (e.g., tetra-functional).

In embodiments, the solvent system comprises one or more mono-functionalacrylates selected 5from the group lauryl acrylate,2(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate, isobornylacrylate, isodecyl methacrylate, tetrahydrofufuryl acrylate, ordimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, and combinations thereof; and/or one ormore di-functional acrylates selected from the group of dipropyleneglycol diacrylate, tripropylene glycol diacrylate, ethoxylatedhexanediol diacrylate, propoxylated hexanediol diacrylate, andcombinations thereof; and/or one or more tri-functional or greater levelfunctional acrylates selected from the group of trimethylol propanetriacrylate, alkoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate, trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate, alkoxylated glyceryl triacrylate, andcombinations thereof.

Additionally or alternatively, the solvent system may consistessentially of or consist of low migratory acrylate monomers. Further,the solvent system may comprise a Functional Ratio of, based on weightof the solvent system, of at least about 2, or from about 3 to about 12,or from about 5 to about 10, or from about 7 to about 9.5, or from about8.5:1 to about 9.2:1, or from about 2 to 7 reciting for each range every1 increment therein, wherein the Functional Ratio is the weight ratio asmonomers as shown in the formula below:

${{Functional}\mspace{14mu} {Ratio}} = \frac{{{monofunctional}\mspace{14mu} {monomers}} + {{difunctional}\mspace{14mu} {monomers}}}{{trifunctional}\mspace{14mu} {and}\mspace{14mu} {higher}\mspace{14mu} {monomers}}$

The ink composition 10 may further comprise from about 3% to about 30%of one or more acrylate oligomers, based on the weight of thecomposition, reciting for said range every 3% increment therein.Suitable acrylate oligomers include epoxy acrylate oligomer, a polyesteracrylate oligomer, a urethane acrylate oligomer, an aliphatic urethaneacrylate oligomer, an aromatic urethane acrylate oligomer, an aliphaticacrylate oligomer, or an acrylic oligomer, and combinations thereof. Theacrylate oligomer may comprise at least 2 functional groups, or 12 orless functional groups, or 6 or less than functional groups, or about 4or less functional groups, or from about 2 to about 6 functional groups,reciting for said range every 1 increment therein. In nonlimitingexamples, oligomer(s) may comprise a glass transition temperature of 50°C. or less. In some embodiments, the one or more oligomers comprises alow migratory acrylate oligomer. The one or more oligomers may consistessentially of or consist of low migratory acrylate oligomers.

The ink composition 10 may further comprise photoinitiators, inparticular two or more photoinitiators. In embodiments, the composition10 may comprise from about 3% to about 15% of photoinitiators, or fromabout 3% to about 15% of two or more photoinitiators, based on theweight of the composition, reciting for each range every 1% incrementtherein. The photoinitiators may be selected from a Norrish Type I orNorrish Type II photoinitiator. The photoinitiators may be selected fromthe group of alpha hydroxyl ketones, alpha amino ketones, acyl phosphineoxides, benzyldimethyl ketals, benzophenones, thioxanthones, andcombinations thereof. In nonlimiting examples, the photoinitiatorsinclude:

-   -   alpha hydroxyl ketones selected from the group consisting of:        2-hydroxy-4′-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-methylpropiophenone,        1-hydroxycyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone,        2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone;        oligo[2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-[4-(1-methylvinyl)phenyl]propanone];        1-[4-(2-Hydroxyethoxy)-phenyl]-2-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propanone;        1-[4-[(4-benzoylphenyl)thio]phenyl]-2-methyl-2-[(4-methylphenyl)sulfonyl]-1-propanone;        and mixtures thereof;    -   alpha amino ketones are selected from the group consisting of:        -methyl-1-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-2-morpholinopropan-1-one,        2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-4′-morpholinobutyrophenone,        bis(p-(N,N-dimethylamino)phenyl)ketone; and mixtures thereof,        and/or    -   acyl phosphine oxides are selected from the group:        2bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphine oxide,        2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenyl phosphine oxide,        2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl phosphine oxide;        ethyl-(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phenylphosphinate; a 20/80 blend        of phenyl bis(2,4,6-trimethyl benzoyl)phosphine oxide and a        phosphine oxide derivatives; and mixtures thereof.

In further nonlimiting examples, the photoinitiators may be selectedfrom the group of2-methyl-1-[4-(methylthio)phenyl]-2-morpholinopropan-1-one,bis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phenylphosphine oxide,2-hydroxy-2-methylpropiophenone,2-hydroxy-4′-(2-hydroxyethoxy)-2-methylpropiophenone,1-hydroxycyclohexyl-phenyl-ketone,2,2-dimethoxy-1,2-diphenylethan-1-one, 2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyldiphenylphosphine oxide, 2-benzyl-2-dimethylamino-4′-morpholinobutyrophenone,and mixtures thereof. In some embodiments, a photoinitiator maycomprises a low migratory photoinitiator.

In alternative embodiments, the composition may be void ofphotoinitiators.

The ink composition 10 can also include a colorant. In some embodiments,the ink comprises cyan, magenta, yellow, black or combinations thereof.In some embodiment, the composition may comprise 1% to about 15% of acolorant, based on the weight of the composition. The colorant may be inthe form of one or more pigments. Nonlimiting examples of colorantsinclude those having the following COLOR INDEX™ classifications: GreenPG 7 and 36; Orange PO 5, 16, 34, 36, 38, 43, 51, 60, 62, 64, 66, 67 and73; Red PR 101, 112, 122, 146, 149, 170, 176, 178, 179, 181, 185, 187,188, 200, 202, 207, 208, 214, 220, 224, 242, 251, 254, 255, 260, 264,48:1, 48:2, 48:3, 52, 52:1, and 57:1; Magenta/Violet PV 19, 23, 31, and37; Yellow PY 12, 13, 14, 17, 74, 83, 120, 138, 139, 155, 151, 168, 175,179, 180, 181 and 185; Blue PB 15, 15:1, 15:2, 15:3, 15:4, 15:6; BlackPB 2, 5 and 7; carbon black; titanium dioxide (including rutile andanatase); zinc sulfide, and combinations thereof. COLOR INDEX™classifications are published by the Association of Textile Chemists andColorists and the Society of Dyers and Colourists. One or more pigmentsmay be low migratory pigments.

A pigment may be provided in the form of a dispersion. Further, thepigment may have an average particle size of about 1000 nm or less, orabout 800 nm or less.

The ink composition may comprise one or more additives. In certainembodiments, the composition comprises from about 0.5% to about 5% ofone or more additives, based on weight of the ink composition (recitingfor said range every 0.5% increment therein). The additives may includeantioxidants, stabilizers, anti-misting agents, optical brighteners,surfactants, slip agents, waxes, silicones, defoamers, flow agents andleveling agents, solvents, amine curing synergists, gloss enhancers,rheology modifiers and combinations thereof, or any other suitable inkadditive known in the art.

The ink composition 10 may consist essentially of low migratorycomponents, such as low migratory acrylate monomers, low migratoryoligomers, low migratory photoinitiators and/or low migratory pigments.In some embodiments, excluding additives, the ink composition consistsof low migratory components. In some embodiments, the ink compositioncomprising acrylate monomers, oligomers, and photoinitiators may bemixed together and incorporate to form a low migratory ink composition.In certain embodiments, the ink composition comprises 2% or less ofwater, based on the weight of the composition.

The ink composition may have a surface tension of 15 dyne/cm² to about40 dyne/cm², reciting for said range every 5 dyne/cm² increment therein.The ink composition may have a viscosity ranging from about 5 cps toabout 40 cps at 25° C., reciting for said range every 5 cps incrementtherein.

The curable ink composition 10 may be applied to a substrate 15. Thesubstrate may comprise a polyolefin material. The substrate 15 maycomprise a nonwoven, a film, or a laminate of nonwovens and/or films. Insome embodiments, the substrate may be provided with an attachmentportion, such as an adhesive attachment portion, allowing the substrateto be attached to another component. In nonlimiting examples, thesubstrate may be a paper having an adhesive backing or other labelconstructions known in the art.

The ink may be applied in one or more design elements 12, including butnot limited to graphics, letters, instructional indicia, functionalindicia and insignia. In some embodiments, the ink is disposed in apattern 14, as shown for example in FIG. 1 where one printed portion isshown to comprise a pattern 14. In some nonlimiting examples, the ink isdisposed in functional indicia as illustrated for example in FIG. 1wherein the curved design elements may signal the presence of channels39. In further nonlimiting examples, the ink may be disposed ininstructional indicia, such as the size of an article, fit instructions,use instructions or other instructions.

In some embodiments, the ink composition 10 is applied with an ink jetprinter as is known in the art. In further embodiments, the inkcomposition is cured by applying ultraviolet light, LED and/or e-beam.In further embodiments, the ink composition 10 may comprise anultraviolet curable ink (i.e., an UV curable ink). UV curable inks arecured by exposure to ultraviolet waves, typically in the range of fromabout 200 nm to about 400 nm, or from about 300 nm to about 400 nm,reciting for each range every 10 nm increment therein. UV inksincorporate one or more photoinitiators to trigger the crosslinkingpolymerization. The type of photoinitiator may affect the wavelengthnecessary for curing. UV inks may be cured using energy dosage of atleast about 10 mJ/cm², or about 2000 mJ/cm² or less, or about 1000mJ/cm² or less, from about 10 mJ/cm² to about 2000 mJ/cm², or from about25 mJ/cm² to about 1000 mJ/cm²′ reciting for each range every 10 mJ/cm²increment therein. In further nonlimiting examples, LED lamps may beused during the curing process. Without being bound by theory, it isbelieved different levels of energy and/or different wavelengths may beused depending on conditions such as curing time, substrate type (i.e.,nonwoven or other substrate), ink composition, and/or amount of ink.

In certain embodiments, the ink composition is cured by electronirradiation (i.e., e-beam ink) at a dosage suitable to result in curingthe ink to the substrate. Nonlimiting examples of suitable doses ofelectron irradiation experienced by the substrate and ink include fromabout 0.5 MRads to about 10 MRads, or from about 1 MRad to about 5MRads, reciting for each range every 1 increment therein. Nitrogen gas(N₂) may be used to facilitate the curing process to ensure maximalenergy is directed to the ink. Without being bound by theory, it isbelieved different levels of electron irradiation may be used dependingon parameters such as curing time, substrate type (e.g., nonwoven orother substrate), ink composition, and/or amount of ink.

The ink on the substrate may have an optical density of 0.2 or greater,or 0.4 or greater, or 0.7 or less, or from about 0.4 to about 0.6according to the Method for Measuring Color Density herein. The ink onthe substrate may have an Ink Adhesion Rating of at least 2, or at least2.5, or from about 2 to about 5, or from about 2.5 to about 4, or about4, reciting for each range every 0.5 increment therein, according to theInk Rub-Off Test Method herein.

In some embodiments, the ink composition comprises a Migration Rating ofabout 1.0 or greater, about 1.04 or greater, or about 1.06 or greater,or about 1.2 or less, or about 1.15 or less, from about 1.0 to about1.15, reciting for said range every 0.01 increment therein, according tothe Migration Test Method herein.

Absorbent Article

An ink 10 according the present invention may be utilized in variousarticles, including absorbent articles 20. In some embodiments, the inkcomposition 10 is disposed on one or more substrates 15 within anabsorbent article 20. By way of nonlimiting example, the ink composition10 may be applied to the topsheet, backsheet, acquisition distributionsystem, ears and/or fasteners, each of which is discussed in more detailbelow. The ink composition may be applied to a body-facing side 15 a ofa substrate (see FIG. 1) and/or the ink composition may be applied to agarment-facing side 15 b of a substrate (see FIG. 4). Additionally oralternatively, the ink may be visible through the body-facing side ofthe article 20 and/or visible through the garment-facing side of thearticle 20. Where ink is disposed on multiple substrates 15, thesubstrates may comprise the same or different amounts of ink, designelements, ink adhesion ratings, optical densities, migration ratings,and combination thereof.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an exemplary, non-limiting embodiment of anabsorbent article 20 of the present invention in a flat, uncontractedstate. The body-facing surface of the absorbent article 20 is facing theviewer. The absorbent article 20 includes a longitudinal centerline 200and a lateral centerline 210.

The absorbent article 20 comprises a chassis 30. The absorbent article20 and chassis 30 are shown to have a first waist region 24, a secondwaist region 28 opposed to the first waist region 24, and a crotchregion 26 located between the first waist region 24 and the second waistregion 28. The waist regions 24 and 28 generally comprise those portionsof the absorbent article 20 which, when worn, encircle the waist of thewearer. The waist regions 24 and 28 may include elastic members suchthat they gather about the waist of the wearer to provide improved fitand containment. The crotch region 26 is the portion of the absorbentarticle 20 which, when the absorbent article 20 is worn, is generallypositioned between the legs of the wearer.

The outer periphery of the chassis 30 is defined by longitudinal edges22 and waist edges (first waist edge 23 in first waist region 24 andsecond waist edge 29 in second waist region 28). The chassis 30 may haveopposing longitudinal edges 22 that are oriented generally parallel tothe longitudinal centerline 200. However, for better fit, longitudinaledges 22 may be curved or angled to produce, for example, an “hourglass”shape article when viewed in a plan view as shown in FIG. 1. The chassis30 may have opposing lateral edges 23, 29 (i.e., the first waist edge 23and second waist edge 29) that are oriented generally parallel to thelateral centerline 210.

The chassis 30 may comprise a liquid permeable topsheet 34, a backsheet36, and an absorbent core 38 between the topsheet 34 and the backsheet36. The topsheet 34 may be joined to the core 38 and/or the backsheet36. The backsheet 36 may be joined to the core 38 and/or the topsheet34. It should be recognized that other structures, elements, orsubstrates may be positioned between the core 38 and the topsheet 34and/or backsheet 36. In some embodiments, an acquisition-distributionsystem 40 is disposed between the topsheet 36 and the absorbent core 38.

In certain embodiments, the chassis 30 comprises the main structure ofthe absorbent article 20 with other features added to form the compositeabsorbent article structure. While the topsheet 34, the backsheet 36,and the absorbent core 38 may be assembled in a variety of well-knownconfigurations, absorbent article configurations are described generallyin U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,860,003; 5,151,092; 5,221,274; 5,554,145; 5,569,234;5,580,411; and 6,004,306.

Topsheet

The topsheet 34 is the part of the absorbent article 10 that is incontact with the wearer's skin. The topsheet 34 may be joined toportions of the backsheet 36, the absorbent core 38, the leg cuffs 70,and/or any other layers as is known to those of ordinary skill in theart. The topsheet 34 may be compliant, soft-feeling, and non-irritatingto the wearer's skin. Further, at least a portion of, or all of, thetopsheet may be liquid permeable, permitting liquid bodily exudates toreadily penetrate through its thickness. A suitable topsheet may bemanufactured from a wide range of materials, such as porous foams,reticulated foams, apertured plastic films, woven materials, nonwovenmaterials, woven or nonwoven materials of natural fibers (e.g., wood orcotton fibers), synthetic fibers or filaments (e.g., polyester orpolypropylene or bicomponent PE/PP fibers or mixtures thereof), or acombination of natural and synthetic fibers. The topsheet may have oneor more layers. The topsheet may be apertured, may have any suitablethree-dimensional features, and/or may have a plurality of embossments(e.g., a bond pattern). The topsheet may be apertured by overbonding amaterial and then rupturing the overbonds through ring rolling, such asdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,628,097, to Benson et al., issued on May13, 1997 and disclosed in U.S. Pat. Appl. Publication No. US2016/0136014 to Arora et al. Any portion of the topsheet may be coatedwith a skin care composition, an antibacterial agent, a surfactant,and/or other beneficial agents. The topsheet may be hydrophilic orhydrophobic or may have hydrophilic and/or hydrophobic portions orlayers. If the topsheet is hydrophobic, typically apertures will bepresent so that bodily exudates may pass through the topsheet. Thetopsheet 34 may be fully or partially elasticized or may beforeshortened so as to provide a void space between the topsheet 34 andthe core 38. In nonlimiting examples, the topsheet 34 comprises theprinted substrate 15.

Backsheet

The backsheet 36 is generally that portion of the absorbent article 10positioned proximate to the garment-facing surface of the absorbent core38. The backsheet 36 may be joined to portions of the topsheet 34, theabsorbent core 38, and/or any other layers of the absorbent article byany attachment methods known to those of skill in the art. The backsheet36 prevents, or at least inhibits, the bodily exudates absorbed andcontained in the absorbent core 38 from soiling articles such asbedsheets, undergarments, and/or clothing. The backsheet is typicallyliquid impermeable, or at least substantially liquid impermeable. Thebacksheet may, for example, be or comprise a thin plastic film, such asa thermoplastic film having a thickness of about 0.012 mm to about 0.051mm. Other suitable backsheet materials may include breathable materialswhich permit vapors to escape from the absorbent article, while stillpreventing, or at least inhibiting, bodily exudates from passing throughthe backsheet.

The backsheet 36 may also comprise more than one layer. The backsheet 36may comprise an outer cover and an inner layer. The outer cover may bemade of a soft, non-woven material. The outer cover forms at least aportion of the garment-facing surface of the absorbent article andeffectively “covers” the inner layer so that film is not present on thegarment-facing surface. The outer cover may comprise a bond pattern,apertures, and/or three-dimensional features. The inner layer may bemade of a substantially liquid-impermeable film, such as a polymericfilm. The outer cover and an inner layer may be joined together byadhesive or any other suitable material or method. In nonlimitingexamples, the backsheet 36 comprises the printed substrate 15. The inkcomposition may be disposed on the outer cover and/or inner layer.

Absorbent Core

The absorbent core 38 is the component of the absorbent article 20having the most absorbent capacity and that comprises an absorbentmaterial. In some instances, absorbent material 50 may be positionedwithin a core bag or a core wrap 52. The absorbent material may beprofiled or not profiled, depending on the specific absorbent article.The absorbent core 38 may comprise, consist essentially of, or consistof, a core wrap, absorbent material 52, and glue enclosed within thecore wrap. The absorbent material may comprise superabsorbent polymers,a mixture of superabsorbent polymers and air felt, only air felt, and/ora high internal phase emulsion foam. In some instances, the absorbentmaterial may comprise at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least95%, at least 99%, or up to 100% superabsorbent polymers, by weight ofthe absorbent material. In certain embodiments, at least a portion ofthe absorbent core is substantially cellulose free and contains lessthan 10% by weight cellulosic fibers, less than 5% cellulosic fibers,less than 1% cellulosic fibers, no more than an immaterial amount ofcellulosic fibers or no cellulosic fibers. It should be understood thatan immaterial amount of cellulosic material does not materially affectat least one of the thinness, flexibility, and absorbency of the portionof the absorbent core that is substantially cellulose free. Among otherbenefits, it is believed that when at least a portion of the absorbentcore is substantially cellulose free, this portion of the absorbent coreis significantly thinner and more flexible than a similar absorbent corethat includes more than 10% by weight of cellulosic fibers. Theabsorbent core periphery, which may be the periphery of the core wrap,may define any suitable shape, such as rectangular “T,” “Y,”“hour-glass,” or “dog-bone” shaped, for example. An absorbent coreperiphery having a generally “dog bone” or “hour-glass” shape may taperalong its width towards the crotch region of the absorbent article.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the absorbent core 38 may have areas havinglittle or no absorbent material 50, where a wearer-facing surface of thecore bag 52 may be joined to a garment-facing surface of the core bag52. These areas having little or no absorbent material may be referredto as “channels” 39. These channels can embody any suitable shapes andany suitable number of channels may be provided. The channels 39 mayextend longitudinally or laterally. The absorbent core may furthercomprise two or more channels. In one nonlimiting example, two channelsare symmetrically disposed about the longitudinal centerline. In otherinstances, the absorbent core may be embossed to create the impressionof channels. The absorbent core in FIGS. 1-2 is merely an exampleabsorbent core. Many other absorbent cores with or without channels arealso within the scope of the present disclosure.

Acquisition-Distribution System (ADS)

The absorbent article may comprise an ADS 40. One function of the ADS isto quickly acquire one or more of the fluids and distribute them to theabsorbent core in an efficient manner. The ADS may comprise one, two ormore layers, which may form a unitary layer or may remain as discretelayers which may be attached to each other. The ADS 40 may includehydrophilic materials that provide significant wicking of bodilyexudates. These materials may dewater the topsheet 34 and quickly movebodily exudates into the absorbent core 38. The ADS 40 may comprise oneor more nonwoven materials, foams, cellulosic materials, cross-linkedcellulosic materials, air laid cellulosic nonwoven materials, spunlacematerials, or combinations thereof, for example. In some instances,portions of the ADS 40 may extend through portions of the topsheet 34,portions of the topsheet 34 may extend through portions of the ADS 40,and/or the topsheet 34 may be nested with the ADS 40. Typically, an ADS40 may have a width and length that are smaller than the width andlength of the topsheet 34. As shown in FIG. 2, the ADS may have one ormore channels 41 as described above with reference to the absorbent core38 (including the embossed version). The channels 41 in the ADS mayalign or not align with channels 39 in the absorbent core 30. In anexample, a first acquisition material may comprise a nonwoven materialand as second acquisition material may comprise a cross-linkedcellulosic material. In an example, the ADS may comprise a distributionlayer 54 and/or an acquisition layer 56 disposed between the absorbentcore and the topsheet. Suitable ADS are described in WO 2000/59430, WO95/10996, U.S. Pat. No. 5,700,254, and WO 02/067809, for example. Innonlimiting examples, the ADS comprises the printed substrate 15. Forinstance, a nonwoven material disposed in the ADS may comprise theprinted substrate 15.

Ears/Fasteners

The absorbent article 20 may include front ears 42 and/or back ears 44.The ears 42, 44 may be extensible, inextensible, elastic, or inelastic.The ears 42, 44 may be formed from nonwoven webs, woven webs, knittedfabrics, polymeric and elastomeric films, apertured films, sponges,foams, scrims, and combinations and laminates thereof. In certainembodiments, the ears 42, 44 may be formed of a stretch laminate such asa nonwoven/elastomeric material. Additionally or alternatively, an ear42, 44 may include elastic strands or other elastomers. The ears 42, 44may be integral with the chassis, or discrete and joined to the chassis.In some embodiments, one or more ears may comprise a printed substrate15. The ink composition may be visible from a body-facing side and/orgarment-facing side of the ear.

The absorbent article 20 may also include a fastening system 46, whichmay be joined to an ear 44. When fastened, the fastening system 46interconnects the first waist region 16 and the rear waist region 18resulting in a waist circumference that may encircle the wearer duringwear of the absorbent article 20. The fastening system 46 may comprise afastener 48 such as tape tabs, hook and loop fastening components,interlocking fasteners such as tabs & slots, buckles, buttons, snaps,and/or hermaphroditic fastening components, although any other knownfastening means are generally acceptable. Some exemplary surfacefastening systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,848,594; 4,662,875;4,846,815; 4,894,060; 4,946,527; 5,151,092; and 5,221,274. An exemplaryinterlocking fastening system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,432,098.The fastening system 46 may also provide a means for holding the articlein a disposal configuration as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,963,140. Thefastening system 46 may also include primary and secondary fasteningsystems, as disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,699,622. The fastening system46 may be constructed to reduce shifting of overlapped portions or toimprove fit as disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,242,436; 5,499,978;5,507,736; and 5,591,152. In some embodiments, the fastening system 46and/or the fastener 48 is foldable. In certain embodiments, thefastening system 46 comprises a printed substrate 15.

Leg Gasketing System

The absorbent article 20 may comprise a leg gasketing system 70 attachedto the chassis 30, which may comprise one or more cuffs. As shown inFIG. 2, the leg gasketing system may comprise a pair of barrier legcuffs 72. Each barrier leg cuff may be formed by a piece of materialwhich is bonded to the absorbent article so it may extend upwards from awearer-facing surface of the absorbent article and provide improvedcontainment of fluids and other body exudates approximately at thejunction of the torso and legs of the wearer. The barrier leg cuffs aredelimited by a proximal edge 74 joined directly or indirectly to thetopsheet 34 and/or the backsheet 36 and a free terminal edge 75, whichis intended to contact and form a seal with the wearer's skin. In someembodiments, the free terminal edge 75 comprises a folded edge as shownin FIG. 2. The barrier leg cuffs 72 extend at least partially betweenthe front waist edge 23 and the rear waist edge 29 of the absorbentarticle on opposite sides of the longitudinal centerline 200 and are atleast present in the crotch region. The barrier leg cuffs may be joinedat the proximal edge 74 with the chassis of the article by a bond whichmay be made by gluing, fusion bonding, or a combination of othersuitable bonding processes. The barrier leg cuffs may be integral withthe topsheet 34 or the backsheet 36 or may be a separate material joinedto the article's chassis. Each barrier leg cuff 72 may comprise one, twoor more elastic elements 60 close to the free terminal edge 75 toprovide a better seal.

In addition to the barrier leg cuffs 72, the article may comprisegasketing cuffs 76, which are joined to the chassis of the absorbentarticle, in particular to the topsheet 34 and/or the backsheet 36 andare placed externally relative to the barrier leg cuffs 72. Thegasketing cuffs 76 may provide a better seal around the thighs of thewearer. A gasketing cuff may comprise a proximal edge 78 and a freeterminal edge 77. The free terminal edge 77 may comprise a folded edge.Each gasketing cuff may comprise one or more elastic elements 60 in thechassis of the absorbent article between the topsheet 34 and backsheet36 in the area of the leg openings. All, or a portion of, the barrierleg cuffs and/or gasketing cuffs may be treated with a lotion or anotherskin care composition. In further embodiments, the leg gasketing systemcomprises barrier leg cuffs that are integral with gasketing cuffs.

In certain embodiments, the leg gasketing system includes one or moreprinted substrates 15.

Elastic Waist Feature

The absorbent article 20 may comprise at least one elastic waist feature80 that helps to provide improved fit and containment, as shown in FIGS.1 and 3-4. The elastic waist feature 80 is generally intended to expandand contract to dynamically fit the wearer's waist. Elasticized waistfeatures include waistbands, waist cuffs having pockets 82 formed from aportion of the waist feature 80 that is unattached from the chassis 30,and waist panels designed to fit securely about the abdomen of thewearer. Nonlimiting examples of elasticized waist features are disclosedin U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 13/490,543; 14/533,472; and62/134,622. Waist features 80 may be joined to the chassis 30 in thefirst waist region 24 and/or in the second waist region 26. Innonlimiting examples, a waist feature 80 may comprise a printedsubstrate 15.

Pant Construction

In some embodiments, the article 20 may comprise an absorbent pant 300as shown in FIGS. 3-4. The absorbent pant may comprise include a chassis30, a belt 310 to be positioned about the wearer's waist, and optionallya leg gasketing system 70. FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary precursorstructure of the pant in FIG. 4, in an open configuration laid out flatand stretched out laterally against elastic-induced contraction. In thefinal assembly of the pant, the front belt portion 312 is joined to rearbelt portion 314 at seams 316, which may be permanent or refastenableside seams. Suitable refastenable seams are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Appl.Pub. No. 2014/0005020 and U.S. Pat. No. 9,421,137. Alternatively,instead of attaching belt 310 to the chassis 30 to form a pant, discreteside panels may be attached to side edges 22 of the chassis 30. The belt310 and/or discrete side panels may be elastomeric. Exemplary belt andabsorbent pant constructions are disclosed in U.S. patent applicationSer. Nos. 14/598,783 and 14/032,595 U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,645,190; 8,747,379;8,372,052; 8,361,048; 6,761,711; 6,817,994; 8,007,485; 7,862,550;6,969,377; 7,497,851; 6,849,067; 6,893,426; 6,953,452; 6,840,928;8,579,876; 7,682,349; 7,156,833; 7,201,744 and 7,901,393. Any suitableportion of a pant may include a printed substrate 15.

Test Methods Migration Test Method

The Ink Migration test method disclosed herein can be used to quicklyobtain qualitative ink formulation stability assessment and the inkformulation components' migration capability. The method comprisesapplying 3 drops of a filtered ink formulation using a disposabletransfer pipette, onto a paper towel substrate. The ink is filteredthrough a syringe filter equipped with a Nylon filter having a pore sizeof 1.0 um and approximately 1-3 mL of filtered ink is collected in asuitable sized vial for later use. Suitable examples of paper towelsubstrates include Bounty® Basic paper towels, Bounty® Rinse and Re-Usepaper towels, and Bounty® Select-A-Size paper towels, each availablefrom Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati, Ohio. Multiple ink samples can beapplied to the same paper towel substrate assuming that there issufficient distance between the application points so as to not allowdrops to spread over each other.

After applying the drops onto the paper towel substrate, the substrateis allowed to dry for 12-24 hrs at room temperature (approximately 68°F.-75° F.). The resulting ink drops will have spread across thesubstrate to a point where spreading/migrating is no longer observed.Inks exhibiting good formulation will show an even color distributionacross the entire dispersed surface of the paper towel substrate. Inksexhibiting poor formulation will produce concentric rings of varyingcolor intensity indicating that only certain components of the inkformulation migrated a first distance, while other components continuedto migrate further. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it isbelieved that those inks containing components susceptible to migrationor those inks having poor formulation stability will produce thespreading having concentric rings of varying color intensities, whilstthose inks having fewer components susceptible to migration and thoseinks exhibiting good formulation stability will have a uniform colordistribution across the entire spread ink.

The ink migration ratio is calculated by measuring the diameter, inmillimeters, of the darkest, most intensely colored circle of the spreaddroplet, after drying, at is widest point. This distance, p, indicatesthe migration distance of the pigmented portion of the ink. Ifadditional rings appear outside of this darkest ring, forming concentriccircles, another measure is made of the diameter, in millimeters, of thesubsequent ring or rings, and this value, t, represents the totalfurthest distance any component of the ink formulation was able tomigrate. The ink migration value is determined by calculating the ratioof the furthest migrating component, t, to the least migrating componenthaving the darkest color intensity, p. If only 1 complete, uniformlycolored circle is observed, the migration ratio is deemed to equal 1.0.

Ink Rub-Off

Ink rub-off of a nonwoven substrate is performed on a Gakushin-typeRubbing Tester (a suitable instrument is a Model RT-300 available fromDaiei Kagaku Seiki, Kyoto Japan or equivalent). The test specimen ismounted on the instrument and is rubbed against a standard abradingsurface consisting of a receptor swatch (76.2 mm×25.4 mm, standard CrockCloth Style #3, or equivalent) and a Standard Nonwoven (76.2 mm×25.4 mm,13.5 gsm standard spunbond nonwoven, type 900-SB050, or equivalent) bothavailable from Testfabrics Inc, West Piston, Pa. The Receptor Swatch isthen measured using a spectrophotometer capable of making CIE L*a*b*measurements (a suitable instrument is the X-Rite eXact available fromX-Rite, Grande Rapids, Mich. with 4 mm aperture, or equivalent) and theInk Adhesion Rating (IAR) is calculated. All testing is performed atabout 23° C.±2° C. and a relative humidity of about 50%±2%.

Specimens are tested using the following test fluids: a mineral oilhaving a Bp of 215° C.-643° C., flash point of 115° C. to 268° C.,Density of 0.82 to 0.90 g/cm³, and dynamic viscosity of 0.038 Pa·s at38° C. (a suitable oil is RC-118 available from G-Biosciences, St.Louis, Mo. or equivalent) and a diaper rash cream containing zinc oxideand oil with a viscosity ≥10 Pa·s and shear rate of 10 sec⁻¹ at 25° C.Suitable diaper rash creams include HIPOGLOS® (available from AndromacoLaboratories of Buenos Aires, Argentina), DESITIN® Maximum Strength(manufactured by Johnson &Johnson of New Brunswick, N.J.), A+D® DiaperRash Cream (manufactured by from Bayer AG of Germany) or equivalent.

All samples and test fluids are conditioned at about 23° C.±2° C. and arelative humidity of about 50%±2% for two hours prior to analysis.Remove a printed nonwoven specimen from the absorbent article, usingfreeze spray (such as Cyto-Freeze, Control Company, Houston Tex.) asnecessary to remove the layer without distorting the dimensions of thenonwoven or damaging the printing. Visually locate the region on thesample with the highest print density. Cut a specimen 230 mm×25.4 mm ofthe nonwoven to be tested. In like fashion harvest 4 more test specimensfrom the equivalent position on four (4) additional replicate articles.Mount the five test specimens onto the movable, curved test stage withthe printed sides facing away from the stage. The test specimens must besecured so that they do not move during testing. If a nonwoven specimenis not durable enough for rub testing (e.g. will stretch or tear), it islaminated onto a 300 mm by 25.4 mm sheet of copy paper with 2-sided tapebefore testing. In addition to the test specimens, a Control Nonwoven isalso analyzed for comparison and calculation of ΔE_(CMC). The ControlNonwoven is compositionally identical to the specimen nonwoven with theexception that it has no printing within the 300 mm by 25.4 mm strip. Ifa non-printed area of the nonwoven is not available the StandardNonwoven can be used as the Control Nonwoven.

For rub tests utilizing the mineral oil test fluid, place a ReceptorSwatch on a bench and stack a Standard Nonwoven overlying it. Mount thestack on to the friction heads of the Rubbing Tester with the StandardNonwoven facing outward and secure with the receptor clamp. Accuratelypipet 0.25 mL of mineral oil onto the surface of the stack, allowing itto soak in. Lower the friction heads down onto the test specimen suchthat the Standard Nonwoven is in contact with the test specimens. Setthe instrument to perform 15 cycles and start the test. Once complete,remove the Receptor Swatch and Standard Nonwoven from the friction, anddiscard the Standard Nonwoven. Allow the Receptor Swatch to conditionfor 24 hours at about 23° C.±2° C. and a relative humidity of about50%±2% before evaluating.

For rub tests utilizing the diaper cream, place the Receptor Swatch ontothe bench. Diaper Cream is applied in a specific pattern using atemplate. The template is a piece of plastic 76.2 mm by 25.4 mm by 0.60mm thick into which 9 holes, each 6 mm in diameter, are drilled 3 to arow in a region approximately 20 mm by 20 mm square at the lateral andlongitudinal center of the template. Place the template over theReceptor Swatch. Fill the holes flush with cream and remove thetemplate. Stack the Standard Nonwoven on top of the Receptor Swatch.Mount the stack on to the friction heads of the Rubbing Tester with theStandard Nonwoven facing outward and secure with the receptor clamp.Lower the friction heads down onto the test specimen such that theStandard Nonwoven is in contact with the test specimens. Set theinstrument to perform 15 cycles and start the test. Once complete,remove the Receptor Swatch and Standard Nonwoven from the friction head.Do not discard the Standard Nonwoven it will be analyzed as the ReceptorSwatch/Standard Nonwoven stack. Allow the Receptor Swatch/StandardNonwoven stack to condition for 24 hours at about 23° C.±2° C. and arelative humidity of about 50%±2% before evaluating.

Calibrate the spectrophotometer as per the manufacturer's instructions.Set the spectrophotometer to Abs white base, No Physical filter,illuminant C, 2° observer, ANSI T Density Standard. Place the ReceptorSwatch onto the white ceramic plate (Available from Hunter Associates,with CIE L*a*b* values of approximately L*=93.6, a*=−1.3, b*=0.6).Visually divide the 20 mm×20 mm rub-off region into four quadrants.Measure L*a*b* centered at the most visually intense site within eachquadrant, and then at the center of the rub-off region. Record valuesfor the Control and each of the other specimens. Average the fivereadings for each and calculate the ΔE_((CMC)) of the specimens versesthe Control. Repeat for all mineral oil and diaper cream samples. Reportas the arithmetic mean of ΔE_(cmc) of the 5 replicates to the nearest0.01, separately for both mineral oil and diaper cream. Calculate andreport Ink Adhesion Rating (IAR) for each of the test fluids using thefollowing equation:

${I\; A\; R} = {5.04{\left( {1 + {0.47\left( \frac{\Delta \; E_{CMC}}{14.70} \right)}} \right)^{- \frac{1}{0.47}}.}}$

Method for Measuring Color Density

Print color and density on a printed nonwoven or film is measured usinga hand held, 45°/0° configuration, hemispherical geometryspectrophotometer, the X-rite eXact Spectrophotometer (available fromX-Rite, Grand Rapids Mich.), or equivalent instrument, with a 4.0 mmoptical aperture. This instrument measures print density based onreflection density expressed as the logarithm of the reciprocal of thereflectance factor. Set the scale to L*a*b* units, 2° Observer, CIllumination, Abs White Base, no Physical Filter, and the DensityStandard of ANSI T. Measurements are performed in an environmentcontrolled lab held at about 23° C.±2° C. and 50%±2% relative humidity.

Calibrate the instrument per the vendor's instructions using thestandard white board (available as PG2000 from Sun Chemical-VivitekDivision, Charlotte, N.C.) (or alternatively a white ceramic plate(Available from Hunter Associates, CIELab values of approximatelyL*=93.6, a*=−1.3, b*=0.6)) each day before analyses are performed.Remove the substrate to be measured from the sample article. Ifnecessary, a cryogenic freeze-spray (e.g., Cyto-freeze, available fromControl Company, Houston Tex.) can be used to facilitate removal.Samples are conditioned at about 23° C.±2° C. and 50%±2% relativehumidity for 2 hours before testing.

Place the Standard White Board on a horizontal bench, standard sidefacing upward. Place the specimen flat on top of the Standard WhiteBoard with the printed side facing upward. Place the eXactspectrophotometer on the specimen such that the measurement site is freeof folds and wrinkles and 100% of the measurement site is within theinstrument's aperture. Take a reading for density and L*a*b* color andrecord each to the nearest 0.01 units.

In like fashion the measure is repeated on corresponding sites on five(5) substantially similar printed substrates and the density and L*a*b*color values averaged separately and reported to the nearest 0.01 units.

EXAMPLES

The following tables show exemplary formulations of low migration inkcompositions and characteristics thereof.

TABLE 1 Exemplary Low Migration Ink Compositions Low Migration InkCompositions Material A B C D Mono-functional Acrylate Monomer 34.9 43.030.8 30.8 Di-functional Acrylate Monomer 19.1 15.1 27.0 15.2Tri-functional Acrylate Monomer 10.4 6.5 6.5 18.3 Acrylate Oligomer 8.78.7 8.7 8.7 Photoinitiators 11.7 11.7 11.7 11.7 Pigment Dispersion 12.312.3 12.3 12.3 Additives, etc. to 100% 2.9 2.7 3.0 3.0 Ink SurfaceTension (mN/cm²) 39.1 40.5 38.6 38.3 Ink Viscosity (cps.) 25.3 19.7 24.327.7

TABLE 2 Low Migration Ink Compositions From Table 1 Low Migration InkCompositions A B C D IAR - Ink Adhesion rating 2.8 3.4 3.4 2.9 OpticalDensity 0.27 0.44 0.27 0.27 Functional Ratio (Mono- + Di- 5.2 9.0 8.92.5 functional acrylate)/Tri-functional acrylates Ink Migration Rating1.15 1.04 1.07 1.15

The dimensions and values disclosed herein are not to be understood asbeing strictly limited to the exact numerical values recited. Instead,unless otherwise specified, each such dimension is intended to mean boththe recited value and a functionally equivalent range surrounding thatvalue. For example, a dimension disclosed as “40 mm” is intended to mean“about 40 mm.”

Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or relatedpatent or application and any patent application or patent to which thisapplication claims priority or benefit thereof, is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded orotherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission thatit is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimedherein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other referenceor references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention.Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in thisdocument conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in adocument incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assignedto that term in this document shall govern.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beenillustrated and described, it would be obvious to those skilled in theart that various other changes and modifications can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention. It is thereforeintended to cover in the appended claims all such changes andmodifications that are within the scope of this invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. A energy curable ink composition comprising,based upon total composition weight: a) from about 10% to about 80% of asolvent system comprising the following: i) from about 35% to about 80%of one or more mono-functional acrylate monomers; ii) from about 10% toabout 35% of one or more di-functional acrylate monomers; and iii) fromabout 10% to about 30% of one or more tri-functional or greater acrylatemonomers; b) from about 3% to about 30% of an acrylate oligomer; and c)from about 1% to about 15% of a colorant.
 2. The energy curable inkcomposition of claim 1 wherein the composition is void ofphotoinitiators.
 3. The energy curable ink composition of claim 1further comprising, based upon total composition weight, of from about3% to about 15% of two or more photoinitiators.
 4. The energy curableink composition of claim 1 further comprising, based upon totalcomposition weight, of from about 0.5% to about 5% of one or moreadditives.
 5. The energy curable ink composition of claim 4 wherein theone or more additives is selected from the group consisting ofantioxidants, stabilizers, anti-misting agents, optical brighteners,surfactants, slip agents, waxes, silicones, defoamers, flow agents andleveling agents, solvents, amine curing synergists, gloss enhancers,rheology modifiers and combinations thereof.
 6. The energy curable inkcomposition of claim 1 wherein the one or more mono-functional acrylatemonomers are selected from the group consisting of lauryl acrylate,2(2-ethoxyethoxy)ethyl acrylate, 2-phenoxyethyl acrylate, isobornylacrylate, isodecyl methacrylate, tetrahydrofufuryl acrylate,dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate, and combinations thereof.
 7. The energycurable ink composition of claim 1 wherein the one or more di-functionalacrylate monomers are selected from the group consisting of dipropyleneglycol diacrylate, tripropylene glycol diacrylate, ethoxylatedhexanediol diacrylate, propoxylated hexanediol diacrylate, andcombinations thereof.
 8. The energy curable ink composition of claim 1wherein the one or more tri-functional acrylate monomers are selectedfrom the group consisting of trimethylol propane triacrylate,alkoxylated trimethylolpropane triacrylate, trimethylol propanetrimethacrylate, alkoxylated glyceryl triacrylate, and combinationsthereof.
 9. The energy curable ink composition of claim 1 comprising aFunctional Ratio of from about 2 to about
 7. 10. The energy curable inkcomposition of claim 1 wherein the acrylate oligomer comprises at leasttwo functional groups.
 11. The energy curable ink composition of claim 1wherein the acrylate oligomer has a glass transition temperature of lessthan 50° C.
 12. The energy curable ink composition of claim 3 whereinthe two or more photoinitiators are selected from the group consistingof alpha hydroxyl ketones, alpha amino ketones, acyl phosphine oxides,benzyldimethyl ketals, benzophenones, thioxanthones, and combinationsthereof.
 13. The energy curable ink composition of claim 1 wherein thecolorant is selected from those having the following Color Indexclassifications: Green PG 7 and 36; Orange PO 5, 16, 34, 36, 38, 43, 51,60, 62, 64, 66, 67 and 73; Red PR 101, 112, 122, 146, 149, 170, 176,178, 179, 181, 185, 187, 188, 200, 202, 207, 208, 214, 220, 224, 242,251, 254, 255, 260, 264, 48:1, 48:2, 48:3, 52, 52:1, and 57:1;Magenta/Violet PV 19, 23, 31, and 37; Yellow PY 12, 13, 14, 17, 74, 83,120, 138, 139, 155, 151, 168, 175, 179, 180, 181 and 185; Blue PB 15,15:1, 15:2, 15:3, 15:4, 15:6; Black PB 2, 5 and 7; carbon black;titanium dioxide; zinc sulfide, and combinations thereof.
 14. The energycurable ink composition of claim 1 wherein the colorant comprises apigment that is in the form of a dispersion and has an average particlesize of from about 1000 nm or less.
 15. The energy curable inkcomposition of claim 1 wherein the composition has a surface tension ofabout 15 dyne/cm² to about 40 dyne/cm², and a viscosity at 25° C. ofabout 5 cps to about 40 cps.
 16. The energy curable ink composition ofclaim 1 wherein the energy curable ink composition has a MigrationRating of 1.1 or less.
 17. A substrate comprising the energy curable inkcomposition of claim 1 wherein the substrate comprises an ink adhesionrating of 2 or greater.
 18. The substrate of claim 17 wherein thesubstrate comprises a nonwoven, a film or combinations thereof.
 19. Anabsorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbentcore disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein thebacksheet comprises a substrate printed with an energy curable inkcomposition of claim
 1. 20. The absorbent article of claim 19 whereinthe printed substrate comprises an ink adhesion rating of 2 or greater.